Driving Checklist and Safety Tips for Your Next Road Trip

Since the summer season has finally approached us, it’s the best time to plan for long vacations. And the most fun part about your vacations must be road trips! While you might be too excited about this, how about you read some latest facts about road traveling. 

As per a recent survey by The Vacationer, in summer 2022, nearly 208 million American adults (81%) are expected to travel, with 80% planning to take long road trips. This clearly indicates the heavy rush it will have on long routes. 

This indicates to all the traveling enthusiasts to do a little bit of planning along with their driving checklist to avoid any severe consequences that may result on the trip. Below, we have shared some safety tips that might help. 

Check If Your Vehicle Is All Set 

The first thing you need to check is your vehicle’s condition. Get done with your scheduled car maintenance at least 15 days prior to your trip so that unforeseen repairs can be managed on time. Some of the important things that you should check to ensure the stable condition of your vehicle include tire pressure, wiper blades, spare tire, brakes, fluid levels, lights, and air conditioning. 

Ensure the Safety of Your Kids 

If you’ve decided to travel with your kids, make sure they are well-prepared in advance. From educating them about child seat safety to instructing them on on-road travel manners, it’s your duty to ensure their safety each and every time. All the children under 13 years of age should be seated at the back with their seatbelts fastened. 

Take Your First-Aid Kit

Traveling is unpredictable and always has a possibility of a mishap, which could be minor or severe. So, it’s better for you to stay prepared in advance and take a first-aid kid that involves all the basic and necessary things to handle any sort of accident. Other than the basic first-aid, here are the things your kit must involve: 

  • Mobile phone, charger, and extra portable battery
  • Flashlight
  • Work gloves and spare clothes
  • Jumper cables
  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Basic repair tools and some duct tape 
  • paper towels for cleaning up any mess
  • Medicines, non-perishable food, beverages
  • Extra windshield washer fluid
  • Multiple Navigation options
  • Emergency blankets, coats, and towels

Keep a check on the Gas Mileage

With gas prices taking up speed, it’s better if you take steps to save on your road trip. You can slow down your acceleration speed, fill gas at the coolest time of the day, and keep your windows closed while driving at high speed, as it might reduce your gas mileage by 10 percent. Removing excess weight from your care can also help save gas. 

Be Prepared for All Sorts of Emergencies 

While you’re going on a trip, it’s crucial that you keep a check on your travel and route, which includes checking the road traffic, weather conditions, or any other thing that you might expect on your way. Most importantly, be prepared for any contingency. There could be chances that you get caught while driving under the influence of alcohol or any other drugs. In such cases, make sure you can contact a DUI lawyer at the earliest to get you out of the tricky situation. 

Moreover, save the contacts of all the people that would respond to your emergencies and can provide immediate help. 

Avoid Driving At Peak Times 

Since the number of road travelers would be more than last year, it makes sense and is a safer option if you can avoid driving at peak times. Not only would it make you stuck in traffic, but it can also increase your risk of road accidents

Or another way could be to choose roads that might have less traffic as per the navigation suggestions. You could have any of your travel instruct you about all the possible route options to ensure you take the safest road. 

Take Breaks And Share Driving 

Because it’s your own car and your own people, make your trip a fun and memorable one by taking frequent breaks. You could use this time to rest and just enjoy the fact that you’re traveling to a new destination. We all know how fun those talks are! Other than that, if you’re on a long road trip, make sure you have a partner who can drive well, as it will not put all the pressure on only one person. You could share the driving, allowing each other to take a rest and enjoy from time to time. 

So, now that you’re all geared up for your next road trip, make sure you make it a responsible one and enjoy the journey without compromising your safety in any way.